AFLW: Tasmanian Clark makes winning debut

Four Tasmanians have now made their AFLW debuts this year after Georgia Clark swapped the black and white of Glenorchy for Collingwood on Friday. Get the latest on our home grown talents here.

Tasmanian AFLW debutant Georgia Clark gets a kiss from mother Kristy before playing in Collingwood’s win over Gold Coast on Friday. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Georgia Clark made a winning start to her AFLW career after she swapped the black and white of Glenorchy for Collingwood in Friday’s win over Gold Coast.

The number eight draft pick featured in the 4.3 (27) to 3.6 (24) win at Swinburne Centre, the struggling Magpies’ first win of the season.

She joins number four draft pick Brooke Barwick (Bulldogs), Mackenzie Ford (Richmond), and Tunisha Kikoak (Fremantle) as Tasmanians who have debuted this year.

Clark is a silky forward and will be keen to build on the three touches she accumulated against the Suns.

Georgia Clark with family before her AFLW debut. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

It was a round to remember for Tasmanians, with Lily Johnson also playing her first game for Melbourne after playing five games for Port Adelaide in 2022.

However Friday was a day to forget for the Demons after they were thrashed by Essendon 11.6 (72) to 1.1 (7).

Tasmanian Daria Bannister was dominant for the Bombers with a career best four goals, 15 touches and four tackles.

Kikoak was a standout for the Dockers after kicking two goals in their 3.7 (25) to 2.2 (14) win over St Kilda on Friday, which improved Fremantle’s record to 4-1.

Terrible weather plagued the match of the round at Launceston on Sunday, where last year’s grand finalists North Melbourne continued its unbeaten start with a 3.9 (27) to 2.3 (15) win over fifth-placed Richmond.

North Melbourne’s Mia King interacts with fans during her return to Launceston on Sunday. (Photo by Steve Bell/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Launceston product Mia King enjoyed a strong day in the midfield for the Roos with 22 touches and eight tackles.

It was North Melbourne’s fourth game in 15 days due to the AFLW’s condensed mid-season schedule.

“The compressed fixture was alwaysgoing to be a test, but we’ve got such a good team behind us and high performance staff who set out a good program,” King said.

Roos coach Darren Crocker praised King’s intensity during the packed program.

“Our little Laucnesot pocket rocket, I love coaching Mia,” he said.

Mia King gets a handball away under pressure against Richmond. (Photo by Steve Bell/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

“Her intent around the footy is so important to our midfield mix. I love the way she hunts the footy but also the opposition when they get it, she’s all over them.

“She’s had a really good block of games the last few weeks, she’s really looking forward to the back half of the season.”

The Roos now have five wins and a draw from their first six games, and are the AFLW’s only unbeaten team.

They next play in Tasmania against Sydney at North Hobart Oval on Sunday, October 13.